Sighisoara, Romania offers a plethora of amazing sights and attractions. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Sighisoara are:

1. 1. The Clock Tower
   2. Church on the Hill
   3. Monastery Church
   4. The Bootmaker’s Tower
   5. The Covered Stairway
   6. The Tinsmiths’ Tower
   7. Strada Tâmplarilor
   8. The Tailors’ Tower
   9. Holy Trinity Church
   10. The Ironsmiths’ Tower
   11. Casa Vlad Dracul
   12. Cemetery on the Hill
   13. Piața Cetății
   14. The School on the Hill
   15. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
   16. The Town Hall
   17. The Church of Lepers

We spent all of June visiting the sights in Sighisoara. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Sighisoara Walking Tour and easily see all the top things on our list in one day.

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The Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas) is the most iconic landmark in the city of Sighișoara, Romania. It is visible from any point in the city and was built to protect the main gate of the city. The Tower served as the Town Hall until 1575. The construction of the Clock Tower began in the 14th century and was completed in several stages.

The Gothic-style Church on the Hill was built during the 13th century on top of an existing chapel’s walls. It is considered the most valuable historical monument in the area. Standing at a height of 429 meters, it is one of the most important buildings in the Citadel.

One of the main attractions of the church is its frescoes, which were painted in the 1480s. These frescoes were once painted on every interior surface but were whitewashed in 1776. However, after a recent restoration, fragments of the frescoes have been brought back to light. Among the scenes depicted are St. George fighting the dragon, the Last Judgment, and the Passion. Visitors can also see the 16th-century altarpiece, which was painted by Johann Stoss, the son of the famous Nuremberg sculptor, Veit Stoss.

Inside the church, visitors can take a tour and then walk outside to the cemetery to admire the old tombstones. The old cemetery behind the church is the final resting place of Sighisoara’s early German settlers.

The Monastery Church (Biserica Mănăstirii) was built in 1289. It’s made up of one bell-shaped church and an adjacent Dominican Monastery. The architectural style that dominates the building is Late Gothic.

Inside, you can find various 17th-century fittings, such as the pews, pulpit, and altar, which are early Baroque in style. The walls are adorned with 35 oriental carpets donated by the city’s different guilds.

The most valuable work present is the bronze baptismal font, cast in Sighișoara in 1440. It features a Latin inscription with the date, as well as floral motifs and reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible.

The Monastery Church is classified as a historical monument, and admission is 5 lei.

The Bootmaker’s Tower, also known as the Shoemaker’s Tower, is located in the northern part of the Citadel in Sighișoara, Romania.

The tower was first mentioned in 1521 and was built before that year. It is different from other towers because of the lookout turrets on the roof. Over the centuries, the defense tower has been destroyed numerous times.

Nowadays, a newspaper and a local radio station are housed in the tower.

Built in 1642, the Covered Stairway also known as the Scolar’s Stairway is possibly the most unique structure in Sighișoara. The stairs connect the Citadel Square and the Church on the Hill.

Originally, the stairs had over 300 steps, but today, only 173 wooden stairs remain. They are covered by a timber roof and walls, providing shelter to the scholars from the wind, rain, sun, or snow.

At the end of the stairs, near the Church on the Hill, is Joseph Haltrich High School, one of the oldest schools in Transylvania. The stairs have been well-maintained and are still used daily by the scholars.

The Tinsmiths’ Tower is 25m high. The tower has a rectangular base, two pentagonal upper stories, an octagonal upper level, and a hexagonal roof.

Strada Tâmplarilor is renowned for its colorful houses. It is believed that different colors were used to represent various guilds. Although the narrow street is pedestrian-friendly, the cobblestone road can be uneven.

The Tailors’ Tower was built in 1676 and was later rebuilt after it was destroyed by an explosion caused by the powder magazine that was housed within it during the great fire in 1676.

The tower is one of the main gate towers and is responsible for guarding the back entrance of the citadel. It has two openings for circulating traffic, and shooting holes in the upper part to protect the fortress in case of invasion. The pair of portal arches below it are Romanesque.

The Holy Trinity Church (Biserica Sfânta Treime) is a monochromatic Romanian Orthodox Church constructed by Transylvanian Saxons in a Neo-Byzantine architectural style. It is situated on the north side of the Târnava Mare river and is considered the center of the town’s Roman Orthodox community.

The Ironsmiths’ Tower, also known as The Blacksmith’s Tower, was erected in 1631 on the location of the former Barber’s Tower. This tower was built to safeguard the Monastery Church in case of a siege. The tower now houses a museum that exhibits genuine blacksmith tools for visitors to view and enjoy.

Vlad Tepes, aka Vlad the Impaler, was born in 1431 in a house located at  Strada Cositorarilor No. 5. Of course, Vlad inspired Bram Stoker’s character Count Dracula.

The Vlad Dracul House, painted ochre and featuring vaulting on the ground floor, is possibly the oldest in the city. A wrought iron dragon sculpture hangs outside the house, which symbolizes the Order of the Dragon that Vlad was part of.

The ground floor houses a medieval-style restaurant, while the first floor exhibits a weapons collection depicting the evolution of armaments used in Sighișoara over the centuries.

The cemetery is a peaceful place that bears the history of the Saxon community.

The Citadel’s Square (Piața Cetății) is the main square in the Citadel. It is a bustling area that hosts numerous cafes, restaurants, and food stalls where you can indulge in delicious Romanian street food such as lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and papanasi (Romanian fried donuts). Historians believe that the first houses in the Schespurch settlement were built around this small square.

The neo-gothic building currently standing was built in 1901, replacing the Old School that had been mentioned as early as 1522.

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church (Catedrala Sfântul Iosif) is a beautiful example of Gothic and Neo-Roman architecture. Its tall belfry was constructed by Hungarians and is a notable feature of the church. The Roman Catholic Church was built in 1894, replacing the ruins of the former Franciscan Monastery that once stood on the same site.

The Town Hall aka City Hall was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style circa 1885.

The Church of Lepers, also known as the Holy Spirit Church, is located in the former Siechhof district. It is believed to have been built in the 16th century.

The Church is situated in the lower city, outside the defensive wall. It was part of a complex that included a school, the teacher’s residence, and a hospital for lepers. The patients were not allowed inside the Church, and the Catholic priests officiated for them from the outside pulpit until 1684. The hospital was demolished in the late 19th century with the construction of the railway.

Later on, the Church became Lutheran. The pipe organ was built in 1865 by Samuel Friedrich Binder. Nowadays, the Church is used by the Greek-Catholic community.

If you’re still on the fence after reading about the 17 Best Things to See, check out “Is Sighisoara Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

If you only have one day (or even just a couple hours) in Sighisoara, we suggest visiting the recommended historic sites in the following order:

1. 1. The Tailors’ Tower
   2. Strada Tâmplarilor
   3. St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
   4. The Bootmaker’s Tower
   5. Piața Cetății
   6. The Covered Stairway
   7. The School on the Hill
   8. Church on the Hill
   9. Cemetery on the Hill
   10. The Tinsmiths’ Tower
   11. The Clock Tower
   12. Casa Vlad Dracul
   13. The Town Hall
   14. Monastery Church
   15. The Ironsmiths’ Tower
   16. Holy Trinity Church
   17. The Church of Lepers

Following the suggested itinerary will take you past all 17 of the Best Things to See in Sighisoara and through all of the Citadel! Depending on your level of urgency, you could complete the walking tour in less than an hour. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches, but it does not include any tours or museum visits.

Our suggested Sighisoara Walking Tour starts at the Tailor’s Tower (the main entrance above the parking lot), winds through the Citadel, climbs the Covered Stairway to the upper Citadel to see the School, Church, and Cemetery on the Hill, descends back down to the Citadel to several more towers including the Clock Tower, then heads down to the lower town to visit the beautiful Holy Trinity Church and the historic Lepers’ Church.

Want to learn about the history of Sighisoara with a guide? Book a highly-rated city tour while visiting Sighisoara!

If you only have one day to explore the charming town of Sighisoara, we’ve got you covered! Start your day in Sighisoara by following our suggested itinerary to explore the all the best tourist attractions. Begin at the Tailor’s Tower, where you can admire the impressive architecture and get a glimpse into the town’s medieval past. From there, wander along Strada Tâmplarilor, soaking in the charming atmosphere of this historic street.

Make a stop at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, known for its beautiful interior, before continuing your journey to the Bootmaker’s Tower. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Piața Cetă ții, the main square of the Citadel.

Next, climb the Covered Stairway to reach the School on the Hill. Take some time to explore the school museum and learn about Sighisoara’s educational history. Nearby, you’ll find the Cemetery on the Hill, a serene and picturesque spot that offers a glimpse into the town’s past.

After descending back down to the Citadel, make your way to the Clock Tower. This iconic landmark not only offers stunning views from its top but also houses a fascinating history museum inside. Dive into Sighisoara’s past as you explore the various exhibits and artifacts on display.

For lunch, head to one of the many traditional Romanian restaurants in the Citadel. Indulge in local specialties such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled minced meat rolls). Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets, stopping at the various artisan shops and boutiques.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Lepers’ Church, located just outside the Citadel walls. This unique church has a fascinating history and is known for its intricate frescoes.

As evening approaches, make your way to one of Sighisoara’s famous rooftop bars or terraces. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you watch the sunset over the picturesque town and its surrounding hills.

To end your day in Sighisoara, join a guided walking tour of the Citadel at dusk. As darkness falls, the town takes on a magical atmosphere, with the medieval buildings illuminated by soft golden lights. Listen to fascinating stories and legends about Sighisoara’s past as you explore its narrow cobblestone streets and hidden corners.

There are many great places to stay in Sighisoara. For the best experience, we recommend staying inside the Citadel. We feel the charm and ambiance of Sighisoara is best inside the Citadel and it is the perfect spot for a unique and memorable experience. The castle marker on the interactive map below is the center of the Citadel. We recommend staying as close to it as you can afford and that meets your preferences.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t lose it). Click below for more info.

Sighisoara is located in the heart of Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania. Nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, this enchanting town sits on the banks of the Tarnava Mare River. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the country.

Absolutely! Sighisoara is definitely worth a visit. It is a charming and picturesque town located in Transylvania, Romania, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. The town is famous for its Citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. Visitors can explore the narrow cobbled streets, visit the Clock Tower Museum, climb the Covered Staircase for panoramic views of the town, and soak in the medieval atmosphere. Sighisoara also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, adding to its vibrant cultural scene. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to experience the unique charm of a medieval town, Sighisoara won’t disappoint!

The amount of time to spend in Sighisoara can vary depending on your interests and travel preferences. However, most visitors find that a day or two is sufficient to explore the highlights of this charming medieval town. This gives you enough time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the historic landmarks such as the Clock Tower and the Church on the Hill, and soak in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, you can also take some time to try local cuisine, browse through shops selling traditional crafts, and enjoy the panoramic views from atop the town’s fortified walls. Keep in mind that if you want to delve deeper into the history and culture of Sighisoara or if you plan on taking day trips to nearby attractions, you may want to extend your stay by a day or two.

Sighisoara is known for its rich history and medieval charm. It is most famous for its Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. The town’s architecture, with its narrow cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings, is a sight to behold. Visitors can explore the Clock Tower Museum, climb the Covered Staircase for panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of this medieval gem. Sighisoara is also known for hosting various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant cultural scene

Sighisoara and Sibiu are two of the most beautiful cities in Romania with their own unique charm. Sighisoara is known for its well-preserved medieval citadel and historic architecture, while Sibiu offers a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture, as well as cultural events and festivals. Ultimately, the better city for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking to experience during your visit. It may be helpful to research more about each city’s attractions, history, and activities to determine which one aligns more with your interests.

Sighisoara was built by the Saxons, a Germanic ethnic group, in the 12th century. The town was originally founded as a fortress and grew into a prosperous trading center. Today, Sighisoara is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.